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Advanced Metering Infrastructure - Project Approved

Posted: October 6, 2016 - 1:00 am

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) has released a Decision approving Halifax Water’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project, as well as some changes to Halifax Water’s regulations to enable AMI.

Halifax Water filed an application on May 12, 2016 requesting approval of a water meter upgrade project throughout its service area. This upgrade to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) will enable two-way digital communication between the utility and its customers. This technology forms the backbone of the utility of the future, which means more customer-focused and efficient service for everyone.

Halifax Water routinely replaces water meters in the normal course of operations, and currently has a combination of automated meter reading and manual units throughout the service area. AMI technology was selected as the best choice for this meter upgrade based on several factors. First and foremost, AMI will increase customer convenience, customer ability to track and manage water usage in real time, and enhance customer service. Once the meter is installed, the need to enter a customer’s home/business or access their property will be greatly reduced. Over time, Halifax Water will be more responsive to customer inquiries based on better data, provide enhanced leak detection services, and move to monthly billing which allows customers to manage their budgets more effectively.

The decision to install AMI technology is part of Halifax Water’s broader goal of continuously improving the overall water infrastructure and customer service experience. This will allow for more effective system operations and cost savings. From an environmental standpoint, Halifax Water will reduce its environmental footprint due to reductions in vehicle travel to read meters and perform other basic services, which will be completed remotely once the meters are installed. Lastly, AMI technology will enable Halifax Water to take advantage of future industry developments, such as providing customers secure access to data that will allow them to manage their water usage and costs.

Halifax Water Board Chair Ray Ritcey stated, “This technology is a critical step in enhancing our service to existing and future customers.”

Halifax Water General Manager Carl Yates said “AMI technology will bring benefits to our customers, the environment, and the utility. Halifax Water looks forward to keeping our customers informed and satisfied throughout this multi-year project. We want our customers to take full advantage of the many benefits AMI technology has to offer”.

The $25.4million Advanced Metering Infrastructure project will start with an initial rollout to a few hundred customers in early 2017. Based on results in this initial deployment phase, meter installation for the rest of our customers would occur in phases over the next three years.

Please visit the Halifax Water website for more information on the AMI Project.

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